Can I block my child's father?
Asked by: Clair Rosenbaum | Last update: September 14, 2025Score: 5/5 (35 votes)
On legal grounds, you cannot block the father from visiting the child when there is no custodial order.
Is it illegal to block the other parent?
What is the answer? The answer is usually no; a parent cannot stop a child from seeing the other parent unless a court order states otherwise. And what is more, keeping a child away from the other parent can seriously backfire. This issue often comes up in the following situations.
Do I have to keep in contact with my child's father?
Yes, unless you want the child to be the sole contact with the father. I usually recommend that the parent stay in the loop.
Can a mother legally withhold a child from the father?
It depends on the language of their custody agreement or custody orders. The mother has no right to unilaterally take/withhold the children from your fiancé's court-ordered/agreed-upon parenting time unless there is a right of first refusal clause.
Can a child say they don't want to see a parent?
No. The parent who has custody is where the kid lives. They're not legally allowed to refuse that.
Leaving My Child's Father.
What age can a child refuse to see a parent in Canada?
There is no specific age – such as 12 or 14 – when children get to decide who they will live with. Each child is unique, and their views are one factor that a judge will consider when deciding what parenting arrangement is in their best interests.
What if my son is refusing to see his father?
If a child refuses to visit the other parent, the custodial parent should encourage the child to spend time with the other parent. When children get older, the court may give the older child more discretion in deciding whether or not to visit the non-custodial parent.
Can a mother refuse access to the father?
The answer to this question is almost always “no,” especially if there is a court order granting custody and parent-time to your child's father. What follows are potential exceptions to this general rule, but you should not withhold your child without discussing it with an experienced family law attorney beforehand.
What to do if your ex won't let you see your child?
Court Enforcement
If your co-parent is still unwilling to work with you to reach an agreement and is refusing your visitation rights, it may be time to turn to the court system for legal help to enforce the visitation order.
Can I legally keep my child away from his father?
A mother can only keep a child away from their father in California if there is legitimate concern about the child's safety because of the father's behavior. Withholding visitation because of reasons deemed unrelated to a child's well-being can come with problems for the parent withholding visitation.
Can I stop talking to the father of my child?
A father has the same rights as a mother and contact cannot be legally stopped unless there are concerns that further contact could affect the welfare of a child.
Can keeping a child away from the other parent backfire?
Keeping a child away from the other parent can backfire in serious and permanent ways. If the other parent feels that the situation will not resolve itself, they have the legal right to bring the matter before the court to enforce the existing court order regarding the parenting plan and their visitation rights.
Can a mother stop a father from seeing child Canada?
The General Rule
A parent cannot stop the other parent from seeing the children, except in rare situations.
How to deal with a toxic co-parent?
- Set Boundaries. The first step in dealing with a toxic co-parent is to set boundaries. ...
- Focus on the Children. When dealing with a toxic co-parent, your children are the most important consideration. ...
- Communicate Effectively. ...
- Seek Professional Help. ...
- Document Everything.
What is blocked parenting?
Blocked care describes a reactive parenting style focused on a child's most adverse or negative traits. It happens when a carer is constantly stressed or overwhelmed, triggering their survival- brain or limbic system to react.
Can I sue my ex for not letting me see my child?
Breach of contract: The parents are both contractually bound by the child visitation agreement, so if it is violated, it may be possible to sue for breach of contract.
Do I have a right to know who my ex brings around my child?
You may be wondering if you have the right to know who your ex is bringing around your child. In general, no. The other parent can decide who is around your child when they have custody without your input. You typically cannot tell your ex that they need to prohibit certain people from hanging around your child.
What if my ex refuses to return my child?
If your spouse does not return your child within a reasonable time frame and you have exhausted other options, consider filing a police report. This step can help establish a formal record of the situation and involve law enforcement in the resolution process.
What is it called when a parent keeps a child from the other parent?
Parental alienation is a strategy whereby one parent intentionally displays to the child unjustified negativity aimed at the other parent. The purpose of this strategy is to damage the child's relationship with the other parent and to turn the child's emotions against that other parent.
What can stop a father from getting joint custody?
- Ongoing drug or alcohol abuse.
- Child abuse or neglect.
- Domestic violence.
- Mental health issues.
- Jail time.
- Relocation.
Why do dads rarely get custody?
Primary Caregiver Presumption: Most times at the point of a separation fathers defer to the mother as the primary caregiver. This ends up putting them at a disadvantage because courts often presume the parent who has been the primary caregiver is better suited for custody.
How do fathers get full custody?
To increase the chances of obtaining full custody in California, a father should: Demonstrate their involvement in the child's life: Show active participation in the child's upbringing, education, and daily routines. This will help the court understand the strong bond between the father and the child.
Can I call the police if my child refuses to come home?
Is it possible to call the police on your own child if they run away and refuse to come home? What actions can the police take in this situation? Your child is a run away, call it in as such. If you know where they are let the police know as well, it's against the law to harbor a run away.
What is father abandonment?
What Qualifies as Abandonment? State laws differ about what is needed for a parent to be deemed to have abandoned a child. Generally, there needs to be a period of time during which the parent does not have any contact with the child and does not pay child support.
Can one parent withhold a child?
Under California law, both parents are presumed to have a right to custody and visitation. Thus, if no existing order establishes custody of a child, either parent can seek court intervention to establish custody.